Method and apparatus for making confections



9 7 ENSPRAGUE. JR

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING CONFECTIONS Filed' Feb. 29, 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet ,1

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4 Sheets-Sheet 2 E. SPRAGUE, JR

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING CONFECTIONS Filed Feb. 29, 1924 V 1,645,260 11 1927' E. SPRAQUE, JR

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING CONFECTIONS File d Feb. 29, 19,24 4 Sheets-Sheet s w lr ass 5: r v v Mai/@2757; yr 4.

Oct. 11, 1927. 1,645,260

E. SPRAGUE. JR 'lfiETHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING CONFECTIONS Filed Feb. 29. 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Oct. 11, 1927.

UNITED STATES PATENT orrica EDWARD SPRAGUE, JR., OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS; ASSIGNOB 6F FORTY-NINE ONE- HUNDREDTHS TO BLANCHE K. DUSTIN, OF CI-IIGAGO, ILLINOIS.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING OONFECTIONS.

Application filed February 29, 1924. Serial No. 696,018.

My invention relates to the art of making confectionery, and relates more particularly to an improved method or process and apparatus for confections witha suitable insert or center. More especially it relates to a novel method of manufacture in which desired centers or inserts are applied and confined within or on a suitable base, and to the apparatus particularly adapted to facilitate carrying out the method. 7

The invention has among its objects the manufacture of confections or the like by a simple, convenient, eiiicient and satisfactory method which will produce an attractive, pleasing, desirable and satisfactory product. It has among its further objects the production of a simple, inexpensive, eflicient and satisfactory apparatus of the kind described for use wherever found applicable.

Many other objects and advantages and the possibilities of the method and apparatus herein described will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the disclosures herein given.

To this end my invention consists in the novel construction, arrangement and combination of parts herein shown and described, and more particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like or corresponding parts:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the recessed slab with the carrier plate shown raised thereabove Fig. 2 is a similar view of the receiving slab and also illustrating the carrier plate;

Fig. 3 is a. top elevation of one type of recessed slab;

Fig. f is a View in elevation of the plate showing the carriers;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view illustrating one type of recessed unit;

6 is a sectional view illustrating a portion of the recessed slab and plate;

Fig. 7 is another type of recessed unit;

Fig. 8 is a similar view of another type;

ig. 9 is a similar view of another type of recessed unit;

Fig. 10 is a sectional view illustrating a portion of the carrier plate and one of the carriers with an insert body carried thereby;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of one type of carrier or prong;

Fig. 12 is a similar view of another type;

cooling. will harden or set.

Fig. 13 is a plan view of the receiving slab; w i Fig. leis a sectionalview through a portion of the same illustrating a step in'the process; 7 I

. Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a completed product of one type with insert sealed in;

Fig. 16 is a similar view of a portion of another product with insert exposed;

Fig. 17 is sectional view through a piece of confection, illustrating a slight modification; and Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a product, illustrating another modification.

Before describing in detail the methodand apparatus suitable for carrying out the method, it may be mentioned that the purpose of the same is to secure a confection or the like'consisting of what may be termed a suitable base or container, within or on which is arrangeda suitable filler element or center, which, for convenience, may be termed an insert. The base may be caramel. chocolate, or any like material or combination of materials which maybe brought to a viscous or molten state and; which, upon stances it may be a pastry base or the like. The degree of hardness or set will of course depend upon the nature of the base. The. inserts or centers may be as desired, as for example, Maraschino cherries, nuts, marshn'iallows, gum drops, caramels or. various kinds of fruits, cherries, candies, or any other edible substance which it is desired to use and which are suitable for the purpose.

The insert, center or the like maybe com pletely immersed or set in andenclosed in the base or only partially set in or anchored, as will be more fully described hereinafter.

Referring particularly to Figs. 15 to 18 inclusive, 1 have shown for purposes of illustration several simple types of the product. it being understood that these are merely for purposes of making clear the method and apparatus.

In Fig'15. there is shown a cake or bar made up with the centers entirely enclosed. The bar may be cut into pieces or parts ofv the desired size and shape, as for example, into caramels, or squares 1 by cutting on the lines 2 after the product has been made up.

In some in- In this particular case, each one ofthe indi- Fig.18 is illustrated another type in which '3 represents the base and l spaced inserts which are practically entirely exposed, eX- cept to the extent in which they are anchored in the base. Any of the bars or separate confections may be coated, iced and wrapped,

-or otherwise treated in addition to the steps whichare:sliown herein. My invention relatesparticularly to the novel methodand apparatus for assembling the various centers or inserts and their transfer and anchoring or insertion on or in the base 1n a predetermined relation thereto.

Referring to Fig. land Fig. 3, 7 represents a table top, slab or the like of suitable size, shape and material. This may be made to correspond in'size With the customary slab used by confection-ere, which is about 6 ft. by 3ft, or such other size as is desired. Theslabf? is provided with a plurality of -recesses-or pockets, or with supplemental partshaving the recesses which are mounted on the-top of the slab. In the drawings, I

have illustrated supplemental or interchangeable units adapted to be placed on the top of the slab, thereby providing a plurality of recesses or pockets, and the same constituting substantially a magazine. Several types of interchangeable units are shown in Figs. 5, 7,8 and 9, these being illustrative of possible designs. "In the typeshown in Fig.

5, 9' represents a unit which, in this case, is 45 10'," so that the units may be reversed, the same being thereforeadapted for two dif-- :ferent styles of'fillers or inserts. This parprovided with a plurality of recesses 10 and ticular one illustrated, for example, would lee-adapted for'the assembling of cherries or like fruit in the recess 10, or for marshmallowsycaramels, orthe like, in'therecessll when the same is reversed.) These magazine units are arranged on theslab or table top 7, as indicated in Fig. '1 or Fig. 3, 'a' flange or retainer 8 being preferably provided for maintaining the same in assembled relation. It may be mentionedthat the various in agazine units may'be'assembled on the table or slab so that variouscombinations of fillers or inserts may be assembled.

Arranged to cooperate with the magazines is atop or carrier plate 11' which carries a plurality of prongs orcarriers 12 of the desired size and shape, there pre ferably'being one for each recess or recessed unit and the same being so disposed that each one is substantially centrally the recess when the plate is positioned, for example, as illustrated in Fig. .6. These prongs may be secured in the carrierplate in anysatisfactorymanner, but, 'asshown, I providethe. same with a shank 15 and a flanged end 16, a plate 25 serving to. look all of the'prongs in place. In most instances, a single prong 12 is suificient, but iii-"other cases it is sometimes desirable in order toprevent displacement of the insert during the transfer to or immersion in the base, as'will be hereinafter described, to provide a plurality of" prongs as shown in Fig. '12. Referring to this figu-re, 17 represents two prongs arranged on a shank 18 and provided witha fiange 19-similar to the flange 16. "Any'equivalent for the two prongs may be employedwhich will prevent turning or shifting of the article carried thereby.

' Themagazine unit. 21 shown in Fig. 7 is -.similar to that shown'in Fig. 5, except that it is not reversible,=l the recess -'.21 being of )Fig. '6,I'have shownv this type of unit arranged on the table orslab. In Fig. 8, the unit 22 is provided with an elongated recess 22, this illustrating a unit adapted for use it-or a nut, or the like,such as: an almond or like shape. The unit 23 shown in Fig. 9 is provided with a recess 23 intended for use for example, for caramels, marshmallows, or the like, for'various other articles. It is obvious that the units-may be provided with "recesses of the desired size and shape. As I mentioned before, while lrprefer to use a plurality of magazine units to make up the magazine, when theunits are assembled on the slab. the sameform substantially a unitary -structure,and consequently a unitary structure with aiplurality of'recesses therein will function in: the same manner as a plu rality of recessed units.

In-Fig. 10, there is illustrated one of the carriers provided with two prongs a rectangular insert '28 as distinguished the spherical insert t shown in Fig. 6.

Using the imagazine' or assembling.device.

it may he assumed that the units are all assembled, for example, as shown Fig. 3, and that it IS desiredv to fill the magazine with lMaraschino cherries, raspberries,

strawberries. or any other center or insert;

In this case, the operator may throw or pour thebullccherries or the like on the top of the magazine and then merely carefully wipe over the top, whereupon one oi the cherries will fill each recess. When the desired numher or all of the'recesses have been filled, the

recesses and pierce the cherries or the like,

thereby securing them together in assembled relation. I

It will be noted by referring to Figs. 1, 3 and 6 that I provide pins 27 on the table adapted to engage in the openings 27, thereby centering the plate carrier so that the prongs are centered in the recesses. It may be mentioned that'if it is desired to vary the distance, the prongs will extend into-the recesses, this may be done by placing washers, shims, or the like between. the plate 11 and the brackets carrying the pins 27' at 20. (See Fig. 6.) Obviously, a washer of the desired size or thicknessmounted on each of the pins 2'? will'serve the purpose. The plate carrier 11 is preferably provided with the desired number of handles 24 so that the same may be picked up conveniently and carried to the slab upon which the operations are completed. Lifting the carrier plate obviously lifts all of the'cherries or inserts which are maintained in assembled spaced relation. Y 'i In Figs. 2, 13 and 14, I have illustrated the slab which; is of the desired size and shape and which is adapted to receive the base-which is poured thereon in a viscous molten or liquidstate. As shown,,29 represents the slab, and this may be and is preferably similar to the slabs now used by confectioners. I provide the same, however, with a flange about the edge. The flange shown is preferably made in a plurality of sections 30 so that it may be madethe desired depth. These sections 30 may be secur-ed to the slab and maintained in assembled relation by the pins 31, which I prefer to so dispose on the slab that they will mate with the holes 27 in the carrier plate 11. In Fig. 14, I have illustrated the'carrier plate 11 in positionon' the slab. In case it is not desired to use the whole slab for a batch of confectionery, tie flanges may be made with the recesses 32 in which cross )artitions be arran ed. These ma.

, also be arranged to separate different kinds of batches of viscous bases slab.

Referringparticularly to Fig. 14, 34 reppoured on the resents a viscous base of the desireddepth.

In carrying out the method, before the carrier plate 11 is positioned as shown in this figure, a batch of the base material 34, which is in a viscous, molten, liquid or semi-liquid state, is poured on the slab and to the de sired depth, depending upon the product desired. After this has been arranged, the plate 11 carrying thev inserts 4 is positioned, the inserts being thus immersed in their assembled relation in the base and uniformly spaced apart. After. the base has partly set or hardened, the plate islifted, but the molten base having partly set, will retain the, inserts so that they areQremoved from. the

prongs and remain in or on the base on the" slab. After' the removal =0f the plate .11,

if desired, a top layer of the base material,

or such other material as desired, maybe poured over the topas indicated 21t-35, the same being preferably spread over so as to give a smooth finish on the top and seal the openings left by the removal of the prongs. The product thenon the slab would be substantially as indicated in Fig. 15, covering the entire slab or so much therea of as was covered. The set base may then be out by suitable cutters, not shown, but generally used in the art, and the batch cut into cakes, bars or pieces of the desired size and shape. It may becut into small cakes, as indicated in- Fig. 15, or smaller bars as indicated in Fig. 16, or in small units as indicated in Fig. 17. The amount of material both below and above the insert maybe regulated by variations in the depth of the batch of base or by removing or addingfiange sections 30 or by using modified types of carriers '11. In Fig. 16, I have illustrated how on one face the insert 4 is exposed whilein Fig. '17 the insert 6 isex posed at both faces.

In Fig. 18, I have illustrated how the inserts 4 are substantially merely anchored on a base 3'. They are maintained in other coating which is transferred with the insert to the base, making possible a novel and pleasing confection in many cases.

It will be noted that the individual handling of each insert and individual transferring of the same to the base is entirely done away with, 'it being possible for one or two operators in less time to do many times the work of several working by hand; andin addition, the hand manufacture is not practical for commercial, manufacture because it is impossible to evenlya'nd accurately space the inserts and to make up a large batch where the base is of a nature that sets in a short time. i i

The invention is, particularly adapted'to the manufacture of caramels 'either with or 1 without the inserts. It has heretofore been almost impossible to commercialize the small caramel squares on a large scale, that is to say, the large candy manufacturer has kept away from the caramel industry because of the difliculty and lack of a way to pack and ship the product sothat same will reach the retailer and the trade in salable condition. Caramels packed and" sent in bulk have a tendency torun together and the jobber 1S handicapped because it is impossible for the retailer to: properly" retail; the same in smallnquantifies of severalor H101e ;1nd1- "vidual caramels Byrunning out on a slab.

a caramel base of, z for example,:a.quarter inclrandythen: emerging caramel squares into this molten base ina uniform way, for

1 example, as illustrated in Fig. I 18, with each caramel spaced say lone-eighth. inch apart and in line, whenthis molten base sets, the

entirecombination can be cut in-;-squ'ares, for example, in squares '.12 by 12., and packed in tiers 1Il boxes. Thedealenwhen y it reaches his hands,can then break ofi snrall quantities, say five" or ten. cent pieces, ,or a half of pound pieces, or it may be out easily bythe retailer. In this way, the handling of the ca-ramels may be commercialized.

WVhere "@Maraschino. cherries are emerged. OIZlTlSGT-tGCl lira-caramel base of any desired flavor and the caramel covered cherry is dipped in chocolate coating to seal the same 111,111 a few weeks the uice of. the cherry is absorbed by the caramel. base which is of good thickness, tand tlie cordial or juice is increased in quantity. While the chocolate may be omitted the chocolate coated caramel andv cherry will hold up for aconsiderable' length of tiniie,fresulting in a more delicious 1 be caramel, chocolate or-any other material or a combination of .m'aterials satisfactory covered cherry, as well as a commercial article. l/Vhen nuts, as for example almonds, are used fortheinserts, it is generally preferred to-soften up the same before placing,

in the magazine so that the prongs will pierce the sameand not break or crumble in a similar manner to the caramels.

tus, I wish to be understood that the the base materials or coatings or coverings may for the purpose applied'as desired in a prefer-red order; and I also wish to be understood that the. centers, fillers or inserts may becherries or other fruit, caramels, marshimallows, =nuts,.gumfidrops, candies or such other articles, materials, or combinations of materials as may be found suitable or de- .sirable. I. also wish it understood that the confection herein. described may be addition-- ally coatednand covered, cut, or may be :wrapped or packedand handledin'any suit- .able manner. In theclaims wherein I refer to'ininiersing the inserts IWlSll to be understoodwth at .tlieimmersing may bepartially or entirely, the extent @not being always a' definite distance.

-I-Iaving thus described my invention, it is obvious that var ous immaterial hanges may be made in the processes or in the apparatus herein described without departsult thereof.

In carrying out the .method and the employmentof the appara stream-e60 ClI1g.IEIOIIl-Etl1& spirit of invention, hence I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to 11tl18 .8X3.013*II113l10d or apparatus herein shown'anddescribed nor to any particular kind'of product produced as a re- .VVhat-I claim asziiew desire to secure by Letters Patent is v.

l A nethod ofcmakingconfections consisting in -assembling a. plurality of filler elements in aldefinite arrangement, thence securing them in fixed spaced. relation by suitable securingmeans to maintain them in theirrelativepositions, thence inserting the assembled elementsinasuitable base of viscous mater al and after an interval removing the securing means and then cutting the base intoparts with the edibleelements em;

bedded therein. r I

2. A method of making confections consisting in assembling a plurality of filler elements ina defin te arrangement, thence securing them in fixed spaced relation by suitable secur ng means to maintain them in their relative positions, thence immersing the assembled elementsin a suitable base of VlSCQHS. mater al and .after lI1-lIl1JBTV3l removingthe securing means, and thence cut- ;ting the base at points between the spaced filler elements to provide pieces of the desired size and shape.

In combination, a slab upon which con- ;fection in liquid form may bepoured, walls mounted upon .the slab for confining the confection to a desired. space, one of said walls being adjustable toward and away vfromanother of said walls, a plate adapted to rest upon said walls, and a plurality of spaced prongs projecting from the under surface of the plate. V v

4. In combination, a slab upon which confection in liquid form may be poured, a plu rality of walls mounted upon said slab for confining the confection to a predetermined space, each of said walls comprising a plurality, oflayers, a plate adapted to rest upon said walls, and a plurality of spaced prongs projecting from the under surface of the plate. v

,5. In combination,a table, an upstanding flange at the edges thereof, a plurality of individual recessed units mounted upon thetable within, the confines of the flange, a

cover plate, and meanscarried by the plate for supporting individual elements to be positioned within the recesses of the individualunits. I V

6. In combination, a table top having'an upstanding flange at its edges, a plurality of recessed units arranged on the table top withinfthelconfines of the flange, a cover .plate, a plurality of carrying members projecting from the under side of the cover .plate,iand means whereby to guide the carrying members into'th-e recesses of the units when positioning the cover plate on the flange.

7 In a device of the character described, a carrying element formed with a plurality of openings, carrying elements including shank portions arranged Within said openings, annular recesses at one end of the openings, heads on the shanks to be seated in the recesses, penetrating prongs at the other ends of the shanks, and a locking plate engaged over the headed ends of the shanks to retain said shanks Within said openings,

8. In combination, a table top having an upstanding flange, pins carried by the flange and projecting above the upper edge thereof, recessed units on the top Within the confines ofthe flange, a cover plate, element supporting members carried by the plate, and said plate being formed. with openings for receiving the pins on the flange whereby to guide the element carrying members into the recesses of the units.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name.

EDWARD SPRAGUE, J R. 

